Skip to main content

Tag: ATM

Engage 2 at Airspace World 2025: inspiring aviation careers

Written by Serena Fabbrini on .

Engage 2 took an active role at Airspace World 2025, held in Lisbon by contributing to the second edition of Tomorrow’s Voices, an initiative led by CANSO in collaboration with Engage 2 and Firstfruits Services. The programme is designed to bring young professionals aged 20 to 30 closer to the world of Air Traffic Management (ATM), offering them direct exposure to the sector, opportunities for dialogue with industry representatives and insights into the future of airspace management.

Thematic workshop. The future workforce in the Era of new entrants

A central moment of Engage 2’s participation was the first thematic workshop titled The Future Workforce in the Era of New Entrants. The discussion focused on the challenges and opportunities related to the integration of new airspace users, such as drones and advanced air mobility solutions, into the ATM ecosystem. The workshop highlighted the growing need for new interdisciplinary roles, such as architects specialised in urban drone operations and urban planners familiar with U-space design. Participants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds engaged in open discussions, with younger attendees in particular pointing out a disconnect between academic training and practical industry needs. Many expressed the need for more hands-on learning and support in navigating the technical language commonly used in aviation.

Panel discussion: exploring career pathways in the evolving aerospace industry

The following day, on 15 May, Engage 2 contributed to the panel Exploring Career Pathways in the Evolving Aerospace Industry”, moderated by Micol Biscotto (Deep Blue, coordinator of the project). The panel brought together experts from leading organisations across the aviation and aerospace sectors – George Vergara (RTX), Snežana Tomčić (AviAll – Aviation for All), Nicola Ni Riada (IFATCA), Romulo Gallegos (Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University), Sabina Zaharescu (CINEA) and Sue Meeks (Infina, Ltd) – who explored the skills required for the future, emerging roles and how to build a meaningful career in a rapidly evolving landscape. One key insight that emerged was the demographic shift currently underway: with a significant portion of the ATM workforce approaching retirement, the sector is at risk of losing valuable mentorship capacity. In this context, Engage 2’s mission to connect junior and senior professionals becomes even more vital, helping ensure that knowledge and experience continue to be passed on to the next generation.

Inspirational Tours: a guided journey through the aviation professions

Among the most engaging activities of the event were the Inspirational Tours, a new format developed by Engage 2 to guide young participants through thematic routes across selected exhibitor stands. Each tour focused on key professional profiles in aviation, including air traffic controllers, AI engineers, cybersecurity experts and U-space service providers. The tours offered an accessible and tangible introduction to both traditional and emerging roles within the sector, with particular attention to future-focused domains such as drone integration and advanced air mobility. Accompanied by a dedicated Career Passport, participants were invited to collect stamps at each stop and take part in short, structured conversations with industry experts. Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, and plans are already in motion to refine and expand the format for upcoming editions.

Engage 2’s presence at Airspace World 2025 reaffirms its commitment to supporting the future of aviation by facilitating meaningful connections, inspiring curiosity and bridging the gap between today’s students and tomorrow’s leaders in airspace innovation.

Call for experts: contribute to the future of ATM and CNS Innovation

Written by Serena Fabbrini on .

The SESAR Joint Undertaking is seeking new experts to support the evaluation of exploratory research and industrial research and validation activities. Two Expressions of Interest are now open for professionals eager to contribute to Europe’s future air traffic management (ATM) and communication, navigation, and surveillance (CNS) solutions.

📎 Details and application procedure: SESAR JU Call for Experts – ATMCNS Solutions

Experts are invited to apply under the following categories:

  • ER2: evaluation of Exploratory Research projects, which aim to investigate new ideas and concepts at the pre-industrial level;
  • IR3: evaluation of Industrial Research and Validation activities, supporting the transition of promising solutions towards implementation.

Engage 2 encourages its community of researchers, practitioners and innovators to consider this opportunity and help bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and operational excellence.

Block your agenda for Tomorrow’s Voices at Airspace World 2025

Written by Serena Fabbrini on .

Engage 2 is proud to be part of Tomorrow’s Voices, the space at Airspace World dedicated to empowering the next generation of aviation professionals. Across two days – 14-15 May 2025 – Engage 2 will host interactive activities designed to inspire, connect and inform students, young professionals, and innovators of all ages. Register now for Tomorrow’s Voices and take your first step into the future of airspace. Are you a student? You could receive a €100 support contribution to help you attend the event! To apply, simply write to engage2-coordinator@dblue.it.

📍 Tomorrow’s Voices area, Airspace World 2025, Lisbon

📆 14–15 May 2025

Here’s what’s on the horizon.

✈️ Thematic Workshop: The Future Workforce in the Era of New Entrants, 14 May 2025, 09:30–12:30

This first Engage 2 thematic workshop focuses on Thematic Challenge #4: Integration of New Entrants into the ATM System. Through an engaging and hands-on format, the session will explore the skills and career paths of the future, the evolving needs of the ATM sector, and innovative ways to attract young talent. Are you passionate about drones and new aviation frontiers? Then don’t miss this opportunity! Register here: Registration Form Note: seats are limited. You will receive a confirmation upon registration.

📱 Engage 2 Matchmaking App Launch

We’re excited to unveil our brand-new Engage 2 Matchmaking App, designed to help you connect with peers, mentors, experts, and opportunities tailored to your interests in aviation innovation. Stay tuned – more details coming soon!

🔍 Inspirational Tours

Join us for curated small-group Inspirational Tours across selected exhibitor booths. These guided visits will introduce you to real-world technologies, roles, and career paths in aviation, from operations to innovation, from human-centred design to regulation. Each tour is based on different aviation professional profiles to help you explore the industry through the lens that suits you best. Complete at least three tours to be in with a chance of winning a €100 voucher to spend on online training courses! Register here.

🎲 Board to Fly: The Ultimate Aviation Trivia Challenge

Get ready to put your aviation knowledge to the test with Board to Fly, the serious game developed by Deep Blue! Challenge your friends (or rivals!) and learn more about the aviation sector in the most fun and competitive way possible. Learn more about the game, here.

Engage 2 at SESAR Annual conference 2025. Connecting minds, building the future of aviation

Written by Serena Fabbrini on .

Engage 2 took part in the SESAR Annual Conference 2025, one of the most significant events shaping the future of European ATM. The project was represented by its coordinator, Micol Biscotto from Deep Blue, at the dedicated Digital Sky Marketplace Exhibition stand, where she presented the upcoming activities for 2025 and beyond.

The mission of Engage 2 is clear: to be the bridge between academia and industry and empowering the next generation of aviation professionals. This goal aligns perfectly with the vision of SESAR, which focuses on modernizing ATM through research, innovation, and collaboration across the aviation sector.

During the conference, Engage 2 showcased its key initiatives for 2025, including the first Hackathon (which will take place in Madrid in March 2025), the first Thematic workshop (focusing on Thematic Challenge #4 “Integration of new entrants“, will take place at Airspace World 2025), the opening of a new Catalyst funds call in Spring and the next edition of Summer School (Braunschweig, September 2025).

Engage 2’s participation in the SESAR Annual Conference 2025 was a great opportunity to strengthen the dialogue between academia and industry, contributing to a more efficient, sustainable, and future-ready air traffic management system.

SESAR AI Flasghip workshop in Rome to advace ATM collaboration

Written by Serena Fabbrini on .

The SESAR Joint Undertaking, supported by Engage 2, announces the upcoming AI Flagship workshop, set for 11 November 2024 at Spazio Europa in Rome, Italy. This workshop aims to bring together key stakeholders, researchers, and industry experts to collaborate on advancing Artificial Intelligence in Air Traffic Management.

Building on the discussions from the AI Initial Coordination Workshop held in September, this session will focus on deepening our collective understanding of AI and advancing the regulatory debate in collaboration with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Key objectives of the workshop include:

  • Promoting interaction among SESAR projects working in AI
  • Encouraging dialogue with EASA on AI implementation and regulation
  • Shaping the future of AI in ATM through collective contributions

This event presents a valuable opportunity for participants to engage with fellow experts and stakeholders, sharing insights and contributing to the future of AI in the aviation sector.

Registration is open for the Winter School in Belgrade

Written by Serena Fabbrini on .

Registration for the Engage 2 Winter School in Belgrade is now open! Attendance at this intensive four-day program, scheduled from January 27 to 31 2025, is free of charge. However, due to limited space, applications are encouraged to be submitted as soon as possible. The deadline to apply is November 20th, 2024. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance/rejection by the end of November.

Hosted by the Faculty of Transport and Traffic Engineering in Belgrade, the program will be led by a renowned faculty of experts, including industry leaders from EUROCONTROL and prominent academics from the University of Westminster and, of course, the University of Belgrade.

Register NOW

This intensive four-day program is designed for postgraduate students, experienced researchers and industry professionals in the ATM sector. The Engage 2 WinterSchool offers a unique opportunity to:

  1. Gain in-depth knowledge of key ATM concepts and challenges
  2. Explore advanced research methodologies through interactive tutorials
  3. Learn from prominent industry leaders and researchers
  4. Network with peers and build valuable connections within the ATM community

Engage KTN past editions
Do you want to know what it means to attend an Engage 2 Winter and Summer School? Let’s take a look at the past editions of the Engage KTN Summer School: you can find all the information about the three past editions of the Summer School, including topics, speakers, and much more to pique your interest.

Save the date for the first Hackathon in Madrid, 24-25 March 2025

Written by Serena Fabbrini on .

Mark your calendars for an event you won’t want to miss! Engage 2 announces its inaugural hackathon, set to take place on the 24th and 25th of March 2025 in Madrid.

This event will bring together new talents to the aviation industry for two days of intense collaboration and creativity. Participants will have the opportunity to tackle the industry’s digitalization challenge, featuring a 24-hour coding session to tackle proposed ATM-related challenges.

Whether you’re a seasoned developer, a budding entrepreneur, or simply passionate about technology, the Engage 2 Hackathon promises to be an unforgettable experience. Stay tuned for more details and registration information coming soon.

We look forward to seeing you in Madrid!

Engage 2 shines at the European Researchers’ Night 2024 in Trieste

Written by Serena Fabbrini on .

Engage 2 recently took part in the European Researchers’ Night 2024, held in Trieste, representing an important step in science communication and public engagement. The event, hosted in the heart of the city, in Piazza Unità, allowed participants to immerse themselves in the world of air traffic management (ATM) through an interactive game developed by the University of Trieste. This game enabled attendees to explore data from a typical day at one of several European airports, dynamically selected by an algorithm.

The aim of the game was to showcase, through data, the immense volume of work, air traffic, and energy consumption that revolve around air travel. Participants gained a deeper understanding of the extensive efforts required by professionals in the ATM sector to ensure smooth and efficient operations. By putting themselves in the shoes of these professionals, the public left with a renewed appreciation for the role of ATM in keeping global travel safe and sustainable.

This success story from Engage 2 unfolded within the larger context of the European Researchers’ Night, an annual celebration of science that spans over 300 cities across Europe. The initiative, funded by the European Union under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, seeks to bridge the gap between researchers and the public, creating opportunities for people of all ages to engage with cutting-edge science. Through hands-on activities, talks and exhibitions, it serves as an important platform for bringing research out of the lab and into everyday life.

Engage 2’s involvement in the event also coincided with Trieste Next, the renowned festival of scientific research. In its thirteenth year, the festival brought together scientists, humanists and esteemed figures from both Italy and abroad, underscoring Trieste’s role as a hub for science and innovation. This year’s edition focused on the future of technology and research, fostering discussions and collaborations across disciplines.

With its interactive and educational approach, Engage 2’s presence at these high-profile events further strengthened its mission to connect science with society, sparking curiosity and inspiring the next generation of innovators.

Engage 2 at the European Researchers’ Night 2024

Written by Serena Fabbrini on .

We are happy to announce that the Engage 2 project will participate in the upcoming edition of the European Researchers’ Night, taking place in the beautiful setting of Piazza Unità, Trieste. This event, a major celebration of science and research, will be held on the 27th of September 2024.

Organised by our partner, the University of Trieste with the contribution of the Coordinator Deep Blue, this engaging activity, titled “Uno sguardo al cielo: ma quanto è complesso il trasporto aereo europeo?” (A look at the sky: How complex is European air transport?), will bring the world of air traffic management closer to the public.

Through a fun and interactive map-based game, participants will understand the immense scale and complexity of European air transport, as well as the numerous challenges it faces, from environmental impact to connectivity, especially given the daily surge of aircraft across European skies.

This activity will demonstrate how research is essential in designing a more sustainable air traffic system, both environmentally and economically. The activity will be conducted in Italian, making it accessible to the local community and ensuring a broader engagement.

Join us in Trieste to explore the future of air transport and discover how research can pave the way for a more sustainable and efficient aviation system!

Fore more info (in italian): https://www.sharper-night.it/sharper-trieste/

Engage 2 Summer School rescheduled to January 2025

Written by Serena Fabbrini on .

We regret to inform you that the first edition of the Engage 2 Summer School, initially scheduled for September 9th-13th, 2024, has been postponed. The Summer School will now be a Winter School, held from January 27th to 31st, 2025, at the University of Belgrade.

The reasons for this change are primarily organisational, related to the project-funded PhDs that will commence in the autumn of 2024.

Registrations for the event remain open; further details will be provided in the future.

This event is an excellent opportunity for students and professionals in the Air Traffic Management sector to deepen their knowledge and engage with industry experts.

We look forward to welcoming you in January!